A new decision tool to objectively select the most appropriate ostomy system - a survey among ostomy nurse specialists.

Background: Peristomal skin complications are frequent in ostomy patients, mostly occurring as a result of effluent leaking from the system. Accurate selection of ostomy products prevents complication onset, but still largely relies on the subjective evaluation of professionals.

Purpose: To evaluate the functionality of a tool conceived to help practitioners objectively identify the most appropriate ostomy system based on patient characteristics.

Methods: Professionals completed a dedicated questionnaire focused on new ostomy surgeries and changes in the abdominal profile and ostomy characteristics after 30 days from prescription.

Results: The questionnaires supported a high functionality of the tool; the pouching system chosen immediately after intervention was largely confirmed (911/959 = 95% of cases; P < .001) also in the short-term. System revision was needed only in few cases (48/959 = 5%) and mostly after ileostomy (27/959 = 2.82% of total cases), even though confirmation did not significantly vary depending on intervention (P = .1).

Conclusions: The tool can help practitioners in selecting the most adequate ostomy product(s), thus preventing postsurgical complications due to effluent leakage from the stoma and improving patients' quality of life.